EastEnders' Denise to receive devastating news in major new cancer setback

EastEnders' Denise Fox finally received some good news in her blood cancer ordeal, as her half-brother Darnell Larson Jr agreed to get tested to see if he was good enough stem cell match, after some initial hesitation.

Unfortunately, newly-released spoilers confirm that the hopeful moment is going to tragically slip away.

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After nervously awaiting the test results and trying to distract herself by playing matchmaker with Amy Mitchell and Denzel Fox-Danes, Denise hears the outcome.

Unfortunately, the results come back negative: Darnell isn't a close enough stem cell match for treatment.

Struggling with the stress of it all, Denise confides in Chelsea and Kim, while Phil later convinces her to open up to Jack.

Falling into despair, Denise questions whether she should even continue treatment.

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Afterwards, Amy learns that Darnell isn't a match and accuses Denise of shutting her out, and an argument ensues.

Ash Panesar later hears about Denise's diagnosis and offers her reassurance, and soon finds herself having to leap into action when Denise collapses.

"Denise is out on the Square when she suddenly collapses to the ground!" says our insider. "It’s lucky that Ash is on the scene, as she swoops to Denise’s aid. Having to watch Denise suffer like this is so tough."

With Denise already unsure of it's worth continuing with her treatment, will her collapse in the street make her want to give up completely? And if she does, will anyone be able to convince her otherwise?

For free and confidential support and information on blood cancer and life after a diagnosis, contact Blood Cancer UK online, by phone on 0808 2080 888 or via email at support@bloodcancer.org.uk.

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.